Vein

A film was migrating from around the entire perimeter, making its way toward the center. Within five minutes, the entire shiny surface was obscured by a thin film. And that film was thickening by the second. It was like watching a time-lapse video of new skin forming on a large, open third-degree burn. We were mesmerized.
Cyril had a frightened look on his pale face, and quietly mumbled, "Curiouser and curiouser."
I was just standing there with my mouth open, breathing a little erratically. I slowly turned, looked at Cyril and said, "Bull. Let's get out of here."
Cyril spun around, ducked his head down and started hurriedly back down the shaft, leading the way toward the exit and civilization. His geologist pick was firmly gripped in his right hand, his knuckles white.